HTC First and 6 Other Doomed Single-Purpose Phones

You’ll have to excuse my skepticism over the HTC First. After all, this isn’t the first time someone — not even Facebook — has come out with a handheld device that has one specific function in mind. The track record for these gadgets isn’t great. And once Facebook Home rolls out to other smartphones, what will be the point of the First?

Normally, I agree with the premise that you should do one thing well, but phones need to be more versatile. Here’s a look at a few other single-purpose devices that didn’t make it.

HTC Status (2011)

The HTC Status was the precursor to the HTC First. A little Facebook button let you quickly post to that social network, but slow data speeds and a small and low-res screen limited its appeal. Next.